A review by ablotial
The Anatomist's Wife by Anna Lee Huber
4.0
I liked this! But if you are looking for a book where you'll really get the feel of 1830s Scotland, you'll be disappointed. First off the main character is "Kiera" and her sister is "Alana" -- not exactly 1800s names, although the rest of the characters are named appropriately. The setting was convenient for this murder mystery due to lack of cell phones, lack of medical knowledge, use of servants, extra propriety leading to lack of knowledge about people... but I didn't feel steeped in it. The language didn't always feel period appropriate, and some of the actions of the people as well (funny how books always include people who are "ahead of their time"). There were not long descriptions of clothing, customs, scenery, etc to add to the feeling. Hard to explain, really, but I think hard-core historic fiction fans will be disappointed.
Additionally, the relationship between Lady Darby and Mr. Gage left me a little confused. Actually, I really enjoyed the interactions between them. But she kept referring to him as exasperating or frustrating, and for a paragraph or two before he was introduced she went on about his bad character and taking advantage of ladies and reputation. But none of that ever seemed to play out in the book. I saw no basis for these beliefs, no other characters gossiped about him (a few ladies fawned over him, but it's not _his_ fault he's handsome, and he did nothing to encourage them as far as I could tell). He did admit to being a rakehell but .. meh. Anyway, I think they were cute regardless... but I feel like the author could have done a better job of making him actually frustrate her somehow, or show his character flaws. Especially in this first book, since it seems like the romance will continue throughout the series.
But yeah, I liked the mystery and the conclusion. Even got the tears coming at one point. I already got the second book from the library.
Additionally, the relationship between Lady Darby and Mr. Gage left me a little confused. Actually, I really enjoyed the interactions between them. But she kept referring to him as exasperating or frustrating, and for a paragraph or two before he was introduced she went on about his bad character and taking advantage of ladies and reputation. But none of that ever seemed to play out in the book. I saw no basis for these beliefs, no other characters gossiped about him (a few ladies fawned over him, but it's not _his_ fault he's handsome, and he did nothing to encourage them as far as I could tell). He did admit to being a rakehell but .. meh. Anyway, I think they were cute regardless... but I feel like the author could have done a better job of making him actually frustrate her somehow, or show his character flaws. Especially in this first book, since it seems like the romance will continue throughout the series.
But yeah, I liked the mystery and the conclusion. Even got the tears coming at one point. I already got the second book from the library.